The CAPS program conducts science-based national and state surveys targeted at specific exotic plant pests, diseases, and weeds identified as threats to U.S. agriculture and/or the environment. These activities are accomplished primarily under USDA funding that is provided through cooperative agreements with state departments of agriculture, universities, and other entities.

Transporting live plants, recreational equipment, firewood and other items that may contain invasive pests can spread insects and diseases that are harmful to Montana's native plants and agricultural crops. If in doubt, please call a department office for information. You can also visit the Don't Move Firewood and Hungry Pests national websites.

The Japanese beetle can be devastating to lawns and landscape plants. It arrived in recent years near the Billings airport, where it likely hitched a ride on air cargo flights. Emerald ash borer, found several years ago in Michigan, has been expanding its territory and could threaten the future for Montana's common green ash trees.

The national Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program provides for surveillance, detection and monitoring of agricultural crop pests and biological control agents using pheromone traps. It is a combined effort by federal and state agricultural organizations. Data from Montana is entered into the National Agricultural Pest Information System, a national database housed at Purdue University.

Coordination and funding for CAPS are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which operates the Plant Protection and Quarantine Program.